Dez Bryant offers odd approach to defending Manziel

Dez Bryant is not too fond of the NCAA. (Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press)

COLLEGE STATION – Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant is sticking up for Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel. Sort of. Bryant, who has his own not-so-pleasant experience with the NCAA, said he’ll “be mad” if the NCAA doesn’t suspend Manziel for allegations of receiving pay for autographs.

But then Bryant, who visited with reporters at the Cowboys training camp in Oxnard, Calif., added that he’d rather watch Texas A&M’s electric quarterback play this year. Bryant was suspended for the final 10 games of his college career at Oklahoma State after lying to the NCAA about whether he visited former NFL star Deion Sanders at his home.

June 2012 - Before Johnny Manziel became 'Johnny Football' he had a mugshot. He had a misdemeanor charge for getting in an altercation at a bar and supplying a fake identity. He pleaded guilty to the charge in July of 2013. less

June 2012 - Before Johnny Manziel became 'Johnny Football' he had a mugshot. He had a misdemeanor charge for getting in an altercation at a bar and supplying a fake identity. He pleaded guilty to the charge in ... more

Photo: Via thesmokinggun.com

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October 2012 - The first clue that Manziel may be a partier was his memorable Scooby Doo costume at Halloween.

October 2012 - The first clue that Manziel may be a partier was his memorable Scooby Doo costume at Halloween.

Photo: Photo via outkickthecoverage.com

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December 2012 - Manziel wins the Heisman Trophy, the first freshman to do so.

December 2012 - Manziel wins the Heisman Trophy, the first freshman to do so.

Photo: Henny Ray Abrams / Getty Images

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March 2013 - Manziel thoroughly enjoyed his visit to Cabo during spring break.

March 2013 - Manziel thoroughly enjoyed his visit to Cabo during spring break.

Photo: Photo via Instagram

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Manziel shoves an A&M defensive graduate assistant who got in his face during a scrimmage at Kyle Field. Manziel later says the graduate assistant pushed him first while celebrating an interception.

Manziel shoves an A&M defensive graduate assistant who got in his face during a scrimmage at Kyle Field. Manziel later says the graduate assistant pushed him first while celebrating an interception.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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June 2013 - On June 16 came Manziel's infamous tweet saying he was looking forward to leaving College Station.

June 2013 - On June 16 came Manziel's infamous tweet saying he was looking forward to leaving College Station.

Photo: Via Twitter

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July 2013 - Manziel and Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron were counselors at the Manning Passing Academy. After being spotted out on the town, Manziel was late to camp meetings the next morning.

July 2013 - Manziel and Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron were counselors at the Manning Passing Academy. After being spotted out on the town, Manziel was late to camp meetings the next morning.

Photo: Via Instagram

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July 2013 - Manziel is heckled and leaves at a fraternity party in Austin, only to be spotted the next day hanging out in a Tim Tebow Jersey.

July 2013 - Manziel is heckled and leaves at a fraternity party in Austin, only to be spotted the next day hanging out in a Tim Tebow Jersey.

Photo: Via Twitter

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July 2013: The NCAA opens an investigation into an alleged autograph session involving Manziel. An autograph broker alleges Manziel was paid to sign helmets for fans.

July 2013: The NCAA opens an investigation into an alleged autograph session involving Manziel. An autograph broker alleges Manziel was paid to sign helmets for fans.

Photo: Butch Dill / Associated Press

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August 28, 2013: Manziel is reportedly suspended for half of the 2013 season opening game against Rice.

August 28, 2013: Manziel is reportedly suspended for half of the 2013 season opening game against Rice.